All I Want For Christmas(With Me)

Merry Christmas everyone from Keenan Cahill-YouTube lip-sinking sensation. Check out all of his videos. He caught the attention of Chelsea Handler who had him on her show as a guest and also had 50 cent surprise Keenan while filming a video.

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON

This is one of my favorite videos of all time; a good laugh for those who are easily entertained.

My Weekend

ahhh, I have the place to myself with nothing to study and nowhere to be. Just me and my personal agenda, which is nothing! Although, nothing usually turns into something, like clean the apartment and do all those things I said I would do when I wasn't busy with school. So, while I fill my day of doing nothing up, take a  look at what I have been up to:

I kept busy studying for finals and completing final projects, but all are done and turned in! I had a wonderful semester; everything I have been learning seemed to tie together and I learned a LOT of useful information.

Erin and I went to almost all of the Nebraska home football games. Stephanie and I were able to go to the very last Big 12 conference game against CU. This was definitely a wonderful experience-waiting in line for 2 hours to claim your seat and then wait for the 90 minute clock to start. Finally, the 3-4 hour game would begin and yes, students stand the entire game.

I had a hair color change. Something different and fun! In fact, the woman who had her hair done after me, went for the same color and my stylist said " if you aren't meant to be blonde, you are meant to be a red-head." 

I found time to put up the Christmas tree before Thanksgiving so that way Erin and I could enjoy it even longer!

I remember my first experience with Elk Creek Water. I'm happy to see that Stephanie was just as excited! Quick tid bit about Stephanie: she doesn't like the name Steph. She thinks it sounds 'butch'. I have been calling her Steph for as long as I can remember and just found this out!

Double Dream Hands!

A little exercise for everyone at home to try! :)

Boy Dances On The Today Show

Assurance

Finally, I found a reason why I should continue drinking coffee ....

"Life is short. Stay awake for it."
-Caribou Coffee

Clay

I really miss art. I miss the part where your hands surprise you with a tangible form of your very own thoughts. That piece of work is always a reminder of a distinct moment in your life, but it transforms into a different meaning for others. It can be stubborn, translucent, shocking, disturbed, whimsical, lady-like, etc; it takes on owner emotions and characteristics. Self expression can be obvious or hidden and experiments are always welcomed.
Here is my outburst in need for painting a picture, throwing on the wheel or ... well heck, I'd settle for a pinch pot!  
I will update you on my progress in this area because drawing pictures in the margins of my notes and baking isn't going to cut it much longer!

Today

12.1.2010

High: My patients today were amazing. Great attitudes, happy and encouraging. I had a great day at clinic today because of the patients. It is always about the patients and the people you serve, but today was different. Today, I loved what I was doing; I loved being a problem solver, hearing aid tech, file maker, button pusher, data analyst, listener, play partner and counselor. I loved being an audiologist.

Low: left overs for dinner.

Glee - Imagine

If you haven't watched Glee before, I certainly recommend tuning in. This is a clip from an old episode, but it still gives me chills when I watch it.

If you are having a bad day, watch this ....

Unbelievable Soccer Throw-in 360 flip in MATCH

Small Things

This week was a good week overall.

1. I got great parking spots, which means that instead of walking the typical 8 blocks to work, I only had to walk 6!
2. While walking to work, I didn't have to stop at any of the stoplights; I had the right of way at each intersection!
3. A patient at clinic came up to me and said, "Honey, you are going into a great field, because when people like me lose their hearing, they feel disconnected from the world. You will be able to do great things for people."
4. At work today, I contacted a mother who was frustrated with doctors, the system and her son's health conditions. I was able to listen and offer her comfort. We had a great conversation and we were both able to figure out the problem, I provided a recommendation and she was relieved to have someone address her concerns.

These great happenings were also useful in temporarily eliminating my thoughts about a 15 page paper I have yet to begin. Well shoot, I just remembered :)

The Past Few Months

Yes ladies and gents, my very first suit! I wore it to a presentation I had at the Nebraska Speech-Language and Hearing Association Conference in Kearney, Nebraska. My presentation on the topic of Wideband Acoustic Transfer Functions, went well and it was a wonderful opportunity for professional growth. 

Gena and I ran a 10k in October. She is a GREAT running partner and I hope to run the Lincoln half marathon with her!

What is Halloween without a little pumpkin carving? He looks even better rotten.

I went to Springfield, MO and volunteered to help with Bass Pro's Outdoor Fitness Festival (since I couldn't participate myself, due to an annoying injury). I also went to cheer on Stephanie and her marvelous work, helping organize the event as an intern! 

I got to see Gracie in her very adult-like pirate costume

And this past weekend I had help from 3 awesome ladies to transfer 935 items and $120 donated to the Food Bank of Lincoln! Way to go Student Academy of Audiology!

Direction

Often, it is easy to become discouraged, for all of us.

Lately, I have been contemplating many of my decisions. Re: School. Politics. Religion. Ethics. Future. Relationships. Expenditures. Guilty Pleasures.
What I have come to realize is that I don't have a simple, involuntary system for controlling my actions or emotions when dealing with these issues. I don't know that I am meant to be an audiologist, or that I rest confidently in one person's interpretation of the scripture. How can one word define my political views? Even worse, what is there to like about politics? Is it right that something unethical isn't illegal and how in the world am I NOT supposed to fear the future? That's like saying there's no need to fret about a possible pop quiz tomorrow in a class you haven't had yet! I know I'm supposed to be the bigger person, but at what point do I become the fool? How do you deal with disliking someone you're supposed to love? Okay, I admit it, I bought a box of nutty bars and haven't worked out in 2.5 weeks. I'm scared to injure myself again from running, but I'm also scared to get fat and die from cellulite suffocation. Finally, if perfection is obsolete then why in the world are we always competing and why am I so often exhausted from trying to portray perfection? I win! I'm the best at imperfection!

I don't know the answers to these internal questions, obviously, but I came across a quote that makes me think that it will all be okay:

Life is so much more than what your eyes are seeing. You will find your way if you keep believing. 

Reflection

I have come to find that the best time to reflect is when doubting the actions of others. Continuously, I perform this act, not in terms of deceit, but for personal growth. I suppose that my background in the helping professions also poses this constant battle of ethical vs unethical and patient centered care. Then, there is the concept of developing and testing a Gold Standard protocol for all test purposes. At this point, I may have lost you, but the point is that there is always a standard method of belief, testing, performance, etc. However, we will always have the gray region where we don't know the right answer, we debate the best moral decision, or there isn't perfect sensitivity/specificity in detection of a pathology. I like to think about the gray area and what my choices of behavior or methodology where and how a different decision may have altered the outcome.

Complainers. This is the current gray area I have been reflecting. Yes, we all know them and we all have been one. In my experience, there are some individuals who thrive on sympathy and always outdo your worst experience. There are the people who just need to vent on occasion and justifiably so. We can't leave out the aggressive complainers that have no mercy and beat you to a bloody pulp with their words of disgust and not an ounce of regret. Then, there are the poor souls who are stricken with the unexpected, extremely detailed, slightly exaggerated "worse thing that ever happened in my whole life" stories. Well, I must admit, I find myself complaining more in graduate school then I have ever. Maybe it's the sleep deprivation or constant anxiety-oops, there I go complaining and making excuses for my complaining in the same sentence. So, I have been looking into the origin of this habit. Do we live in a world that obsesses over imperfection and feels righteous to all opportunities and objects? Is there more pressure than ever to live up to your own expectations, but also the expectations of an unknown audience? What ever the reason may be, there must be a solution to all of the nonsense, constant white noise (audiology term for complainers) distracting me from my everyday life and positive attitude. Many  times I hear someone complaining and I fall right into the black hole of a trap and have to work hard to get myself out!

Well, I looked further into this and found a great quote:

"When you consistently maintain a positive frame of mind, you'll become known as a problem-solver rather than a complainer. People avoid complainers. They seek out problem-solvers."
Joseph Sommerville


This is a bold statement and truthful in its entirety. I shy away from people who complain all the time or after while, I stop listening to what they have to say. Call me a bad listener, but it can be exhausting to keep up with some one's constant cries. At times, it also makes the listener feel worthless and non existent. The worst complaints though are the ones in which pride and selfish matters take control. It is hard to hear why someone deserves special treatment without consideration of the other side, especially when that kind of energy could be put towards something useful. 


So here are some tips for the morbid complainers out there:
1. Don't over do it-no one likes a complainer
2. End on a positive note
3. Don't verbally abuse the person on the other end
4. Think about both sides and seek out more information before making accusations
5. Along with # 4, if you are going to complain, at least have accurate information
6. Choose carefully who you complain to as it could come back and bite you
7. Avoid complaining all together, life will seem more fulfilling and you might have more friends!


"Circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him."

Coming soon-Pictures of my new apartment

Summer's Gone

Welp, the summer is officially over as Fall 2010 courses resume on Monday. I could really use just one more week before classes start though, since really, I didn't have a summer! I've come to learn that even when a graduate student is on vacation, it doesn't mean he/she is free of work. Apparently, I signed on for a  4 year commitment to be at my professors beck and call 24/7. As long as it gets me where I need to be, then I will continue to manage.
Over the summer, I had clinic, classes, and other obligations. First, I helped complete the Healthy Athlete Hearing Screenings for Special Olympics, which I LOVED. Even though we worked 1:30-8:30 M-F and worked the weekend prior, the athletes made it all worth while. It is amazing how they always maintain a positive attitude. I only hope that I took away some of the enthusiasm they exhibit on a daily basis. When the week was over, we screened nearly 1,000 athletes and fit 170 hearing aids-for free! It was definitely a successful week! There is a possibility for a trip to Greece this summer for the International Special Olympic Games. This is something I would absolutely LOVE to be a part of and hope I am one of the two picked.
Once summer break arrived (3 weeks), I was soon haunted by school again. One of my professors approached me regarding an "opportunity for professional growth"-well if you put it that way, can I really say no? I had 3 weeks (my entire summer break) to edit a manuscript that was research based and soon submitted to a professional journal. It took me the entire 3 weeks to complete this project, but I am happy I accepted it as I did learn from it; plus I can add this to my CV.
Many of you know by now that I was asked by a professor in the Fall of 2009 to present one of my class powerpoints to a professional convention in October (so soon!) Unfortunately, I haven't had time to work on that project because I had a summer class project in which I will be presenting on an additional topic! So, I wrapped that up and now I am making my final edits on a newsletter that will be distributed to the patients at the Barkley Center. Whooa! I am exhausted just writing all of that out!
Now, my summer wasn't all work, I did go on a float trip on the Niangua River and then went to California! Stephanie and I were able to celebrate our birthdays with Jymme-Lyn and the boys and have a couple of fun days with Scott. Most of all, we were thrilled to be able to help out Scott and Jymme-Lyn during a difficult week. Scott was out of town and JL was starting a new job. Hopefully the boys are doing great with the new babysitter!

We went to the farm and picked some fruit from the vine and fed some animals

We went to the park and played on the slide

Stephanie and Will playing at the pool

This is where Harrison sat most of the day at the pool-he sure looked good though!

We went to the beach too!

Eclipse

Yes. I am one of those. I remember loving every moment of reading Stephanie Meyers' books: The Twilight Saga. It was that kind of intense reading where you can't put down the book and 1:00 AM comes by so quickly it was like you fell asleep for hours and just woke up. Now, it's been nearly a year since I've read the complete series and I'm ashamed to say that my feelings just aren't the same.
Erin and I saw Eclipse this week as a treat for accomplishing Dr. Honaker's class successfully! Too bad, I didn't get those goosebumps and chills like the first time. (not to mention this movie was a million times better than the first!) I attribute my lack of feeling to distance from the descriptive, trance-like writing throughout all of the books and maybe my instant attraction to Edward's character was dulled by poor acting abilities and his love for Kristin Stewart, uhk!! Now that I really examine this, maybe it was when Edward removed his shirt in the 2nd movie and I actually wanted to close my eyes in repulsion-skinny, vampire pale (which makes sense), and the 3rd nipple didn't do it for me. Maybe I am more of a ware-wolf fan after all ...
You are now aware of my feelings towards this movie, but I must admit that of all of them made, this was the best. I suppose the funds and directing skills have improved substantially, thus producing a more fulfilling movie that better captured my vision while reading the books. I have suggested to myself that the need to re-read all the books and then watch all the movies in order may make for more enjoyable viewing and bring back those old feelings. Or perhaps, I am maturing from the 13 year old vampire/ware-wolf hormone rage. All are possibilities.

Update

Alright, this summer hasn't gone as planned or desired, but it has still been pretty good. I have been keeping busy with summer classes, clinic, and work. Finally, most of my classes are over and I just completed a manuscript, presentation in front of a panel of professionals and students, poster presentation and a newsletter on the topic of noise induced hearing loss. My partner and I entitled our work: If You Can't Stand the Pain, Turn Down the Gain: Consequences and Solutions to Noise Exposure. Clever huh?! I thought so too! Well that was for just one class. One of the greatest challenges has been my time at the ENT clinic. Now, I have really enjoyed being there, much more than I ever anticipated. However, it is really hard keeping up with the pace and everything I thought I was good at doesn't matter any more because I don't get to do it, or my skills aren't fast enough. For instance, my supervisor wants me to get to a point where I can read off a 25 word list, keeping track of which words the patient gets correct or incorrect, while filling out paper work and listening to her story about the weekend. I am not that talented! Everyone says, "oh it will come with time" but I am running out of time and I don't see how it's possible for me. Although the time issue is frustrating because I like to do things correctly the first time and be efficient (where now I feel like a chicken with my head cut off just trying to keep up and not at all confident in my abilities), I have been a part of some really cool clinical appointments. I helped with my first EVER Dix hallpike and head roll, which probably means nothing to you, but I helped diagnose a vestibular disorder and treat the patient for his vertigo! I watched an ENG which is an hour and a half test/treatment for more vestibular problems. I met with a hearing aid representative, helped program hearing aids, observed disgusting objects stored in the ear canal for years finally emerge, and so much more, in just ONE DAY! I know I will learn so much and my supervisor is extremely patient as well as a great guide. In time, I will be confident in my abilities and become an even better clinician!

Disturbing

I recently found out in my Genetics class, that 1 in 20 kids are born not knowing their ACTUAL father. Meaning, their father at birth is not their biologic father. CRAZY! In fact, some students at Yale wanted to test this statistic and one of the them found out his DNA did not match to his father's DNA.

Yes, I asked my mom if there was any possibility of my genetic makeup belonging to some other male, but she denied that it was possible.

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words

My Ideal Summer

1. Lay by the pool sipping on Crystal Light's peach ice tea
2. Read for leisure
3. Go on a road trip
4. Vacation in Colorado- sitting on the porch at a cabin in the morning with the mountains in sight, reading, with a hot cup of coffee
5. Cook something adventurous
6. Frequent the farmer's market
7. Do absolutely nothing

I torture myself thinking about these things while I am in class, or in clinic all day, or working in a project.

Breakfast In Bed

Saturday and Sunday mornings/afternoons are my favorite. I love to make some coffee, bring it to bed and comfortably watch SOAP Net's, Breakfast In Bed from 9 am-2 pm. They replay episodes of my favorite shows: The O.C., One Tree Hill, 90210 (the original), and Gilmore Girls. It's safe to say, not much gets accomplished during the time frame, but I don't always watch TV the entire time-I take naps in between commercial breaks and episodes I have seen or don't care much for. I know, I know, I should make better use of my time, but hey, I don't get this kind of time often. I'm on break right now so I MUST make efficient use of it!

Plus, just look at my bed, the most comfortable bed EVER. It is practically telling me to lay in it all day.

I better take a nap or rest some more :)

Just Move Along

As some of you know, I am moving again- staying in Lincoln but moving to a different apartment. I am excited! Since I am more comfortable with Lincoln and have developed friendships, I think this will be a good move. I will be moving away from things that make me feel uncomfortable and tend to add un-necessary stresses to my already crazy life! Plus, I will be living with my friend and classmate Erin. I realize that I haven't had a great batting average with roommates in the past, but I've also been subject to some unusual circumstances.  I will say, that I have gotten along just fine with roommates that are my close friends, so I am very optimistic and excited to live with Erin.
Last weekend when mom, dad and myself traveled to Springfield to visit Stephanie, we began discussing the moving process. I was alarmed when I realized I have very limited time to move! I thought that I'd had plenty of time to slowly move into the new apartment-in my dream world. Reality poses a different time frame. When I get back from California, I will have about 2 days to move before I start summer clinic and classes. Since my schedule is complicated and I will be working Saturdays now, that doesn't really leave time to move. In just one thought, my whole summer plans changed! Luckily, mom had a few days to spare and she came to Lincoln in between my work days (I called in sick) to help me pack. My oh my did we get a lot accomplished! I most definitely could not have accomplished all that we did without her help. Thanks mom! It wasn't all work though, unless you consider shopping work :)

This is where my computer sits now, since mom and I respectfully destroyed the desk it was sitting on. My new apartment has built in desks-no need to worry.

Since my computer is on the floor and my desk no longer exists, I use that space to, well....

collect.

MISSION: De-clutter Life

Finals will be over soon, FINALLY. As you can see, it purged all over my bedroom floor. Quick, clean up on isle, "is it over yet?!" Looking at this, I notice some thank you cards; not sure who I plan on thanking anytime soon other than God who so lovingly is getting me through these painful weeks. Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but really, it sucks.

If that wasn't stressful enough, take a look in my closet, or maybe don't.

Rest assured, there is a life vest at a step-ladder and arm's reach away. I think that is what I have needed: Hope and a glimmer of light that I will make my way out of this frustrating, sloppy mess (literally and figuratively). My plan of action is to utilize the limited time off I have to minimize my inventory or what I have always thought of as investments. It's time to down size-for an easier move (oh yeah, I'm moving soon!) and a little stress-relief/self-accomplishment task.

If you have any management tips or suggestions, PLEASE advise!

Where in the World is Kelly Archer?

Good question. I am afraid I have abandoned my responsibilities as a "poster" for school, work, and travels. However, I will resume what I started with the best of intentions. Realizing, I probably won't get a post in once a week, but I don't want to quit without a fight.

A lot has happened between now and Christmas. The whole Archer clan made a visit to California to visit the family and have some vacation time. I became the Organizational Chair person for UNL Student Academy of Audiology (SAA). Currently, for work and SAA, I am working on a Hearing Conservation Program for grade school students in the Title 1, Lincoln, schools. Maybe I will make my marker here then:

ATTN: There are 3 causes for hearing loss; genetics, aging process, and noise exposure. We cannot control hearing loss due to genetic makeup or aging, however, hearing loss due to noise exposure is 100% preventable. Keep these 3 primary goals in mind: Protect, Prevent, Preserve. Wear hearing protection (correctly). Prevent hearing loss by turning down the volume, wearing hearing protection, avoiding exposure to excessive levels of noise. and Preserve what you have. Even if you have a hearing loss, protect  what hearing you do have.

Common causes of hearing loss due to noise exposure: Concerts, earbuds (they don't cancel out background noise so you turn them up louder to compensate for that noise), lawn mowers, farming equipment, construction, motor-cross/motorcycles (Scott), firearms-hunting, etc.
Hearing loss in children is becoming move prevalent due to exposure to noise: specifically earbuds, TV, video games, hunting, loud toys, go-carts/4-wheelers, etc.

What kind of hearing protection is appropriate? Cotton in your ears will not cut it, at all. Ear muffs work great, but not the earmuffs that play music because you end up turning the music up louder to overcome the noise of the lawn mower or other background noise. Custom hearing protection is also great because everyone has differently shaped ear canals, so it would provide the greatest attenuation of noise (reduction of noise). If you have disposable foam earplugs, those work fine if inserted correctly.

Of course, you can always ask me more about this if you have questions.

Alright now, I have been working diligently at school. Just yesterday, I passed my final practical exam!! AND, I will be going offsite for clinic this summer to an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Clinic in Omaha 2 full days a week. Normally, students don't go off site until fall of 2nd year.  I wish I could say I am going offsite because my skills are advanced, but in reality, the program accepted too many students than they have supervisors for and accepted just as many into the program next year. This means, they are sending some of us off campus earlier than usual because they don't have room for everyone.
This also means, that I am TERRIFIED! Not only will I be leaving my bubble, but I will be at an ENT clinic which is extremely fast pace, and in Omaha. Also, since I have to be there 2 full days a week, where I might have 15 evaluations in 1 day as opposed to the 2 evaluations a week I have had, I will probably have to work on Saturdays.
Wish me luck!

This year, I also took a trip to Cincinnati to visit my friend Leah and also spent a day at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. It was a great experience, but didn't confirm where I want to be as an audiologist. However, with all the experiences I have had so far, I think I would feel more comfortable and feel like a good audiologist in a private practice, university, or working for a hospital. I guess I'll find out soon how I really feel about the ENT clinic, but I can't see myself there. I really want to provide patient centered care, and many (not all) ENT clinics push for more patients, more hearing aid sales, so faster, faster, faster. That means, you lose time counseling patients and getting to know them. Of course, that is not the way the audiologist wants things, but you have ENT physicians and administrative personnel who don't know the first thing about your job and responsibilities, telling you, you only have 30 minutes to obtain a case history, a full diagnostic evaluation, counsel, and get a hearing aid sale. That means, you lose out on counseling and case history. Some times, you even have to omit parts of the test battery. It's not fair, but unfortunately audiologists haven't gained autonomy yet.  In fact, the AMA (American Medical Association) just published a document suggesting that audiologists aren't necessary and shouldn't be called doctor. I won't get into all the details, but I will say that it was not based on data, just some old farts opinion who spend 12 years in school to be called a medical doctor and doesn't want to share his title with anyone else. EVEN THOUGH, audiologists are not medical doctors. It's a heated discussion that I shouldn't get into right now; I could go on and on.

So for now, my closing statement will be that this has been a very challenging semester, but I have had some great experiences and trips, which I will share more!